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Margaret River surf star Jack Robinson eyes Olympics debut

Warren HatelyAugusta Margaret River Times
Jack Robinson.
Camera IconJack Robinson. Credit: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Margaret River’s Jack Robinson says he’s pumped to represent the country at next week’s Paris Olympics surfing events in Tahiti.

The two-time Margaret River Pro winner and world number No.3 ranked champion is part of a team of four representing Australia.

It was only the second time the sport has been represented on the world stage, though in comments to the media Robinson declined to be drawn on whether winning Olympic gold or coming out top in the World Surf League’s Championship Tour had the greatest lustre.

Robinson was already preparing to set out for Teahupo’o, on the west coast of Tahiti, ahead of the start of competition on July 27.

He told the Times he was honoured to be representing the hopes of the Margaret River community and all of those who had barracked for him so far in his professional surfing career, including friends and family.

“When I got selected it was a dream,” he said.

“Representing the Irukandjis, just really proud to represent your country.

“Teahupo’o is the heaviest wave in the world. It’s so gnarly, you just have to respect the wave every time you go out,” he said.

“It looks like a tsunami when it comes in.”

The Australian has had good form at Tahiti in the past, winning the 2023 Tahiti Pro at the same venue.

But rival Brazilian and American surfers, including John John Florence, were representing their countries too, auguring for a fierce showdown on the notoriously dangerous wave.

Joining the Championship Tour star are fellow World Surf League competitors Tyler Wright, Molly Picklum and Ethan Ewing.

The Olympic selection was based on CT 2023 rankings and taking part in the 2024 World Surfing Games in Puerto Rico.

The surfers’ campaign would also be chronicled in documentary Come To The Edge as part of the team dubbed The Irukandjis.

Surfing Australia national high performance director Kate Wilcomes said the squad had undertaken person preparations after the break in the WSL schedule.

“The aim will be to head into Tahiti around July 19 for the majority of the team ready for official training days that begin on July 21,” she said.

“Jack is a very high medal chance.

“He has spent a lot of time surfing Teahupo’o both in competitions and free surfing.”

The West Australian also has a perceived edge surfing left-hand slabs, with his past win at Teahupo’o tendered as evidence.

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